As the film fraternity recovered from the pandemic and adapted with the 'new normal', the industry saw a bloom near the end of the year. It was a breakthrough year for Bangla films not only in terms of local box office, but international acceptance.

Rehana Maryam Noor

2021 will be a memorable year for filmmaker Abdullah Mohammad Saad and actress Azmeri Haque Badhon, as their project "Rehana Maryam Noor" earned worldwide acclaim, starting with the Cannes Film Festival, a first for Bangladesh at the main category, which is a dream destination of any filmmaker.

 The film was screened at the festival's 'Un Certain Regard' section, and received a standing ovation there. It was eventually released in local halls on November 12, with overwhelmingly positive reactions from critics.

Nona Joler Kabbo

Rezwan Shahriar Sumit's debut directorial  "Nona Joler Kabbo" (The Salt in Our Waters) was premiered at United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), and was appreciated for its original story, portraying struggles of fishermen living in the coastal region.

The film, which was released on November 26 across the country, earned many international accolades, including Kolkata's NETPAC Awards, Canada's MISAFF Awards, among many others. The performance of National Award winning actor Titas Zia was also praised in the film, as well as virtuoso actor Fazlur Rahman Babu.

Mission Extreme

The much anticipated action thriller starring Arifin Shuvoo, Taksin Rahman, and Jannatul Ferdous Oishee hit the theatres on December 3. Jointly directed by Sunny Sanwar and Faisal Ahmed, the film created quite a stir before its release. The big-budget venture was released worldwide including releasing in the USA, UK, and Australia among other countries.

Lal Moroger Jhuti

Noted filmmaker Nurul Alam Atique returned to the silver screen after 11 years with the government granted film, "Lal Moroger Jhuti", based on the Liberation War of Bangladesh. The film starring Ashna Habib Bhabna, was released on December 10. It earned much appreciation for its storytelling, especially Bhabna's rebellious presence in the film, co-starring with an actual rooster.

Mridha Bonam Mridha

The family drama film tugs at the emotional strings between father and son, and family bonding. As the film was released on December 24 within short notice, it did not spend much time in promotion.

The Roni Bhowmik debut directorial has been flaring with positive reviews from both the general populace, and media personalities. It features Siam Ahmed, Tarique Anam Khan and Nova Feroze.

The chemistry among Tarique Anam Khan and Siam Ahmed, who portrayed father and son in the film, was simply outstanding, drawing tears out of the most rigid viewers.

Honourable mentions

There were many other films that trended this year, among movie-goers, one of which was N Rashed Chowdhury's "Chandraboti Kotha".

"Mujib Amar Pita", Bangladesh's first animated theatrical release, was also released this year. It was directed by Sohel Mohammad Rana, using an extensive cast of young talented animators.

MD Nazrul Islam's "Chiranjib Mujib", and Mir Sabbir's debut directorial "Raat Jaga Phool" are slated to be released on December 31.